Broadstreet 3rds – 57
Dunlop 2nds – 8
Broadstreet Rugby Club 3rd XV blitzed their way into the Final of the Coventry and Mid Warwickshire 2nd XV Cup last night after an overwhelming performance against a spirited Dunlop 2nd XV.
After Street’s league defeat to Dunlop the Street were out for revenge and also a unique place in the Final as a 3rd XV. Street took to the field with a beautiful blend of youth and experience for the 3rd week running and it was this combination that proved an irresistible force throughout the match. Dunlop started well and took an early lead with a penalty, but Street were a disciplined outfit with more emphasis on building phases, and it wasn’t long before Captain Skene broke the midfield and put through a grubber which sat up well for winger Leighton Clarke to show his pace and skin the cover defence for the first try of the game, Clarke missing the conversion. Street were back on the march and the forwards were starting to take control and offered a powerful driving maul for the impressive second row Sean Kenney to go over for Street’s second try, Clarke converting. Street was now in full swing and had Dunlop defending at every instance and it didn’t take Clarke long to bag a brace when centre Andrew Skene broke again from the half to put Clarke through, Clarke converting. The half ended well for Street with a series of strong phases from the forwards setting up good ball for the backs to release the ball to the fast improving winger Andy Hirons to score in the corner, again Clarke converting with a sweet strike.
Half Time:
Broadstreet 3rds – 26
Dunlop 2nds – 3
The first 5 minutes of the second half saw Street move out of site and into the Final with some clinical play and tremendous inter-passing from 1 to 15 with Clarke getting his hat-trick, number 8 Ethan Griffiths ghosting in for a try and Centre Skene Smashing over for his try, Clarke converting 2 from 3. This allowed Street to make all 5 changes and fly-half Warne claimed a well earned try and substitute Danny Phillips showing his pace for Street’s 9th of the match, this time Danny Rowstron hitting 1 conversion from 2. Dunlop did have a strong 5 minutes and were rewarded with a late consolation try, but the tie was over and they were tempted into niggle rather than positive play. Street were dominant from start to finish and their smart play, coupled with power and pace simply smashed a clueless Dunlop side out of the Cup.
Street will face Earlsdon 2nd XV (should they turn-up) in the Final after their narrow win over Old Coventrians 6-0. The Final is at Barkers Butts on Wednesday 5th May with a 7pm kick off. Please come down and support the Street, the last few weeks have witnessed a bright future as a wonderful blend of youth and enthusiasm has been marshalled well by the old guard to reach an impressive Final.
Star Men: Leighton Clarke is in outstanding form and his pacey hat-trick and lethal boot are bringing a smile to the face of Street supporters. Andy Hirons get better and better as he showed with a superb finish and strong defence. All credit to a tremendous effort by the Street forwards from 1 to 8 as they put in a fine performance to set a platform from which the backs could strike.
Fact: Nine out of the squad of twenty last night and for the Final are under the age of 20!
